RNZAF BRISTOL FREIGHTERS
One New Zealand squadron supported British and Commonwealth forces during three Communist insurgencies almost back-to-back . Tom Spencer details a busy 25 years for 41 Squadron
After service in the southwest Pacific during World War Two, No.41 Squadron was retained as part of the post-war Royal New Zealand Air Force to support Allied Occupation Forces in Japan. The transport squadron also flew sorties during the Berlin Airlift. These were peaceful ventures.
Then, in September 1949, the squadron’s ‘A’ Flight was detached to Changi, Singapore, to support Commonwealth forces fighting communist terrorists in Malaya.
It was the first of three Cold War conflicts into which the squadron’s transports would fly.
The action in Malaya typically involved lengthy ground patrols ranging deep into the jungle, which were reliant on aerial resupply. At the same time, the RAF’s own transport units were re-equipping with the Valetta, meaning the RNZAF ubiquitous C-47 Dakotas were particularly welcome. However, the RNZAF had its own plans and 41 Squadron’s detached flight ceased operations on November 30, 1951. Its last Dakota left Changi on December 11 and Flight Lieutenant RA Manners was awarded …
